Sigma Alpha Iota

2 Winter 2025 • sai-national.org D ear Members of Sigma Alpha Iota, It seems like just yesterday we were embarking on a new triennium filled with hope, anticipation, and drive. Now we find ourselves accelerating toward the end of this triennium having spent quality time with each other furthering the purposes of SAI. The culmination of all these efforts will be our 51st National Convention titled "United in Music" that will take place in Minneapolis, Minnesota at the Hyatt Regency July 17–21, 2025. As with every National Convention, a lot of hard work and planning has gone into the event. We know that the musical performances will be amazing, and the selected speakers and workshop topics will be useful and informative. It is the responsibility of each chapter to send an official delegate to represent their chapter at our National Convention. However, all members are welcome and encouraged to attend. If this is your first National Convention, I promise it will be one of those experiences that will last a lifetime. If you are an experienced convention attendee, this event will add another wonderful chapter to your SAI memories. Registration for the event is now open, so be sure to take advantage of the early bird registration rate by May 31, 2025. While you are planning your trip to convention, please take the time to read this latest edition of PAN PIPES. There are several wonderful articles focused on topics such as a performance of Angela Ramsey's "Suffrage Cantata" celebrating the 19th Amendment of women's right to vote, a feature on William Bradbury's composition Esther, the Beautiful Queen, and several featured stories of member's utilizing resources provided by SAI Philanthropies, Inc. to explore pivotal professional development opportunities. These are wonderful examples of how we can give back to our membership through the generosity of our chapters and individual members. Please keep this impact in mind as you consider your next donation to SAI Philanthropies, Inc. If you need a reminder about what SAI Philanthropies, Inc. has to offer, explore the different scholarships and grants that are available on an annual basis and consider how applying for one of them may influence your musical life! Keep in mind the deadline for most of these opportunities is March 15th. The winter edition of PAN PIPES is also synonymous with our Annual American Composers Update from our Director of the SAI Composers Bureau. Be sure to review this digital resource for exciting updates and new additions. This issue also contains tributes to several SAI legends and two legacies that had a direct impact on my SAI journey. As I write this letter, I am looking at my framed membership certificate. Near the bottom, in perfect penmanship is the signature of Brenda C. Ray, National President, welcoming me to lifetime membership in our fraternity. In addition to Dr. Ray, the recent retirement of Ruth Sieber Johnson is celebrated in this issue along with a history of the office of the Executive Director and a feature on the latest member to wear the title. I give Ruth credit for being my perpetual source of SAI support and spirit over my many years of active membership and thank her profusely for her role in my leadership development. Winter has given us some challenges this year from snow in our southern states, bitter cold in the north, and devastating fires in California. We know that our members and chapters have been impacted by these events in numerous ways, and we send them our support, empathy, and reassurance. This has been a year of many ups and downs, but we are resilient and will continue to gain insight and perspective from these challenges. I am looking forward to celebrating our fraternity with you this summer in Minneapolis. Much SAI Love, Jessica Chichester, National President A WORD FROM THE NATIONAL PRESIDENT Register now for Register now for the 2025 SAI the 2025 SAI National Convention! National Convention! UNITED IN USIC UNITED IN USIC July 17–21, 2025 July 17–21, 2025 Hyatt Regency – Minneapolis, MN Hyatt Regency – Minneapolis, MN www.sai-national.org www.sai-national.org It's time to register for convention!

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